• Driving Is on the left side of the road.• Between 1300 - 1600 hours is siesta-time in summer. (May-Sept.)• The International Airports are at Larnaca and Paphos.• Centrally located banks offer special afternoon facilities for tourists.• Currency = Euro• Voltage: 240V A C throughout the island, Sockets outlets and sockets of flat 3 pin type are used.• The population of Cyprus is approximately 706.000.• A small tip in restaurants taxis etc is always welcome.• The typical take away is "souvlaki stin pitta"-kebab in a special envelope - type.• Nearly all drug and medicines are available on the island.• It is forbidden to remove antiquities from the bottom of the sea.• In Cyprus there are 127 endemic flower varieties, that is growing nowhere else in the world but in Cyprus.• The Tourist Information office at Larnaka Airport provides 24hrs service 365 days.• Cyprus is a member of the Commonwealth.• Halloumi: Is the local cheese. It can be served plain or grilled.• No vaccination is required for any International traveller.• All the publications (maps, leaflets etc) provided by CTO are distributed free of charge.• The Supermarket basket in Cyprus is considered among the cheapest in Europe. The shops are closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons.• Dhekelia (east of Larnaca) and Akrotiri-Episkopi (west of Limassol) are the two British bases in Cyprus.• Avoid shorts and wear suitable clothing when you are visiting churches and Monasteries.• More than 30 airlines connect Cyprus directly with most European and Middle East Countries.• The town of Paphos is included in the official Unesco list of Cultural Heritage.• If you drive a car in Cyprus do not hesitate to use the "horn" if required, (not during night time).• The tap water is drinkable.• The average day temperature in summer is 32 C and In winter 16 C.• 30 minutes after sunset darkness has fallen.

South East Cyprus

The Ammochostos region has many luxurious resorts which offer modern conveniences, complete with ocean views. In this area you'll find three wonderful beaches, Nissi Beach and Makronissos beach in Ayia Napa, and Fig Tree Bay in Pernera. With its superb beaches and multi-star hotels, the Ammochostos region draws discerning sun seekers from all over the globe. But this part of the island remains the agricultural heart of Cyprus, where traditional windmills stand with modern aqueducts to irrigate the fertile red soil. Ayia Napa, once a small fishing village, is as lively a resort as any in the Mediterranean. But historic sites such as a 16th-century Venetian monastery lend character to a town that's best known for its colourful shops, taverns and discos. Another focal point is the crescent harbour, crowded with bright fishing boats. The day's catch is tonight's dinner at the popular restaurants nearby. Life in this south eastern corner of Cyprus revolves around the sea, with water sports of all kinds readily available - from scuba diving to water-skiing to paragliding. Explore the rugged coast toward Cape Greko, with its string of calm sandy coves, and stay for the indescribably beautiful sunset. Or head north, toward the basket-making community of Liopetri, stopping at Sotira to take in the pretty village churches that date to the 15th and 16th centuries. East to Protaras, more glorious beaches spread out under the sun, while just inland the white-washed town of Paralimni boasts open-air taverns known for their succulent grilled fish. Only a few miles from the most contemporary of resort scenes, you'll feel eons away.

Larnaca

Most travelers first see Cyprus at Larnaca, which is the second port and the site of an international airport. No welcome could be sunnier: at Larnaka, deep blue seas meet bright sand beaches under incomparably brilliant skies.

Here yachts and sailing vessels from around the globe bob and glint, and along the harbour perimeter is a palm-lined promenade. Between shopping trips to Larnaca’s international-caliber boutiques, inviting café’s offer shady resting spots and sweeping ocean views. The promenade winds its way to a striking finale, the Larnaca Medieval Museum, housed in a 17th-century fort.

Make your way north from the fort, toward the centre of the city, and you will come to one of Larnaca’s and the island’s most cherished sites the church of St. Lazarus. After his resurrection from the dead by Jesus, Lazarus elected to live out his second life as Bishop of Cyprus. He is reputedly buried in a crypt under the main altar.

The beautiful interior of the Church of St. Lazarus

Originally called Kition in the days of the Old Testament, Larnaca reached a heyday as a commercial centre in the 1700's, when the consulates were established here.

One of the oldest, continually-inhabited cities in the world, Larnaca abounds with sights. Nearby is an 18th-century aqueduct, and two wonderful museums the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum and the Pierides Foundation Museum. Both contain exceptional examples of Mediterranean art.

Heading out from Larnaca toward Limassol (next section), stop by the enchanting village of Lefkara Doubtless you, like Leonardo da Vinci five centuries before you, will be seduced by Lefkara’s exquisite handmade lace...

Troodos

The Troodos mountain range stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus. There are many famous mountain resorts, Byzantine monasteries and churches on mountain peaks, and nestling in its valleys and picturesque mountain villages clinging to terraced hill slopes. It is the largest mountain range and located in the centre of the island. Its highest point being Mount Olympus at 1.954 metres. It is great day out as you wind up the twisting lanes, you can stop for refreshments at the Green Valley Waterfalls, here for a small fee you can meander and negotiate through the trees until, you can hear the sound of the waterfall getting closer. At the bottom, the water falls into a manmade pool where many delight in taking a dip to cool off, don’t forget your towel! Not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

As you continue your journey you pass through peaceful villages seemingly untouched by time meander through the quaint gift shops and find refreshments in the numerous cafe’s and traditional restaurants.

Between the months of December to February The ski slopes provide entertainment and fun for all the family including the experienced skier, the Troodos ski centre at the top of Mount olympus, has equipment for hire at reasonable prices, When snowfall is heavy you park your car in the village of Platres and catch the snow tractor to the slopes.